Tom Thompson

Tom Thompson first heard an organ in a small church as a child and knew at that moment that somehow, someway, the instrument would become part of his life. He was right. His first job in the industry involved dusting organs and pianos in a small store, where he also had the opportunity to play the latest models. This early experience led to a position performing with the Hammond organ, first for Sherman Clay stores and later for the Hammond Organ Company in Chicago. Tom performed in music stores around the world and eventually became National Sales Manager for Hammond. Throughout his career, he formed lifelong friendships within the music products industry. Many of those friends encouraged him to share his story, leading to his interview for the NAMM Oral History program in January 2019.